Police Officer Lateral Entry

Louisville Metro Government; Kentucky; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisville Metro Government's LMPD Lateral Academy recruits experienced Police Officers to begin training on March 29, 2027. The program blends academy coursework with practical field exposure across multiple bureaus. Candidates must be a US citizen with three years of sworn experience, valid Kentucky Peace Officer Certification or reciprocity, and fitness/health screenings. The role requires eligibility, a clean record, and willingness to work varied shifts in a demanding police environment.

Qualifications

• High School Graduation or GED is required.
• Minimum 3 years sworn Police Officer experience in the United States.
• Valid Kentucky Peace Officer Certification or reciprocity required.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must be 21 years or older.

Responsibilities

• Attends classes in procedures and regulations related to police work.
• Works in various operational bureaus to gain experience.
• Participates in firearm, driving, self-defense, and arrest procedure training.
• Takes tests to measure knowledge and progress.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Knowledge of police regulations

Criminal justice knowledge

Public safety orientation

Education

High School Graduation or GED

Job description

The LMPD Lateral Academy is expected to start on March 29, 2027

• Participates in the academic and physical recruit training program of the Louisville Metro Police Academy.
• Participates in a battery of exams to determine suitability for the position of Police Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attends classes in personnel procedures, police regulations, current laws, the criminal justice system, human behavior, and a variety of other topics related to police work.
• Works in various operational bureaus to provide additional manpower and gain familiarity with the functions of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
• Participates in practical training of firearm usage, driving, self-defense, arrest procedures, use of police equipment and a variety of other procedures and activities related to police work.
• Takes tests to measure knowledge gained, evaluates performance, and determines progress made
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Must have been employed as a sworn Police Officer in the United States with a minimum of three years of sworn Police Officer experience.

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must currently possess a valid Kentucky Peace Officer Certification and/or be able to bring certification back to current status. OR, if out of state, must be able to obtain reciprocity through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) per Title 503 Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) 1:140.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Applicants who have illegally bought, sold, or trafficked as defined in KRS 218A.010 and KRS 218A.1431, controlled substances, other than marijuana within six years of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have used an illegal controlled substance other than marijuana within the last six years of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have illegally bought, possessed, or used marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within six months of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have illegally sold marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within one year of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription on a single occasion within the last six years of application will be disqualified for one year since the last use without a prescription.
• Applicants who have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription more than once within the last six years of application will be disqualified.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or have any criminal action pending against them.
• Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on an individual basis.
• Must submit to a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must submit to a pre-employment polygraph examination.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical agility test.
• Must take a pre-employment written and oral psychological evaluation.
• Must wear personal protective and safety equipment as mandated by OSHA.
• Must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, have provided evidence of immunity, or have signed a declination form within ten days of initial assignment.
• Must work a varied schedule.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must pass a pre-employment medical/stress examination.
• Must not be a current user of illegal drugs.
• Must have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions if having served in any branch of the armed forces of the United States.
• Must not be prohibited by federal or state law from possessing a firearm.
• Must not have an accumulation of nine or more points for traffic violations.
• Must not have had certification as a peace officer permanently revoked in another state.
• Must not within a period of two years hired himself (herself) out, performed any service, or received any compensation from any private source for acting as a privately paid detective, policeman, guard, peace officer or otherwise as an active participant in any labor dispute, or conducted the business of a private detective agency or of any agency supplying private detectives, private policeman, or private guards or advertised or solicited any such business in connection with any labor dispute.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lifts and/or moves heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities.
• Physically restrains persons in the course of law enforcement activities.
• Chases suspects on foot in the course of law enforcement/criminal apprehension activities.
• Works outside in all extreme weather conditions.
• Operates police vehicles during the day and night; observes criminal actions taking place; observes traffic violations; and reviews and prepares reports and correspondence.
• Communicates with other individuals in person, over a telephone and over a radio.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

Salary Information

Up to 10 years credit toward salary and vacation accruals.

Click here for more information about LMPD Officer salaries.

Click here for more information about LMPD's benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Test Weights

100% Training & Experience